ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
RBI TO ISSUE DIGITAL RUPEE STARTING FROM 2022-23
DATA CENTRES AND ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS TO BE INCLUDED IN HARMONIZED LIST OF INFRASTRUCTURE
EXPERT COMMITTEE TO STUDY SCALING UP VENTURE CAPITAL AND PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENT
Rs. 5.5 LAKH CRORE INVESTED BY VENTURE CAPITAL AND PRIVATE EQUITY LAST YEAR
BLENDED FINANCE FROM THEMATIC FUNDS MANAGED BY PRIVATE FUND MANAGERS TO PROMOTE IMPORTANT SUNRISE SECTORS
TECHNICAL AND KNOWLEDGE ASSISTANCE FROM MULTI-LATERAL AGENCIES TO ENHANCE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF PROJECTS
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to introduce Digital Rupee, using blockchain and other technologies, to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India starting 2022-23. While presenting the Union Budget for 2022-23, in Parliament today, she elaborated that introduction of Central Bank Digital Currency  would give a big boost to digital economy. “Digital currency will also lead to a more efficient and cheaper currency management system”, she said.
She further proposed various other initiatives to boost investment and credit availability in the country.
Infrastructure Status
Smt. Sitharaman proposed that the Data Centres and Energy Storage Systems including dense charging infrastructure and grid-scale battery systems would be included in the harmonized list of infrastructure. “This will facilitate credit availability for digital infrastructure and clean energy storage”, she said.
Venture Capital and Private Equity Investment
The Finance Minister proposed setting up of an expert committee to examine and suggest appropriate measures to scale up Venture Capital and Private Equity investment. She noted that the Venture Capital and Private Equity invested more than Rs. 5.5 lakh crore last year facilitating one of the largest start-up and growth ecosystems. “Scaling up this investment requires a holistic examination of regulatory and other frictions”, she said.
Blended Finance
Smt. Sitharaman said that the Government backed Funds NIIF and SIDBI Fund of Funds had provided scale capital creating a multiplier effect. She said that for encouraging important sunrise sectors such as Climate Action, Deep-Tech, Digital Economy, Pharma and Agri-Tech, the government would promote thematic funds for blended finance with the government share being limited to 20 per cent and the funds being managed by private fund managers.
Financial Viability of Infrastructure Projects
The Finance Minister said that for financing the infrastructure needs, measures would be taken to enhance financial viability of projects including PPP, with technical and knowledge assistance from multi-lateral agencies. She further said that enhancing financial viability shall also be obtained by adopting global best practices, innovative ways of financing, and balanced risk allocation. “Stepping-up of public investment will need to be complemented by private capital at a significant scale”, she stated.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Rising Prices of Onion, Potato and Vegetables
As per the area and production of horticulture crops for 2018-19  brought out by Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare; Potato, Onion and Tomato together accounted for about 52% of total vegetable production in 2018-19.
Government takes various measures from time to time to stabilize prices of essential food items including vegetables which, inter-alia, include appropriately utilizing trade and fiscal policy instruments like import duty, Minimum Export Price, export restrictions, imposition of stock limits and advising States for effective action against hoarders & black marketers etc. to regulate domestic availability and moderate prices. Besides, Government is also implementing Price Stabilization Fund  to help moderate the volatility in prices of agri-horticultural commodities like onion and potato. Government banned export of onions and imposed stock limits on traders under Essential Commodities Act on 29.09.19. Government also imported onions for augmenting availability and moderating its prices.
This information was given in a written reply by the Minister Of State For Ministry Of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Shri Danve Raosaheb Dadarao in Lok Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
Officer trainees of the Indian Revenue Service call on the President
Officer Trainees of the 72nd batch of the Indian Revenue Service called on the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, today  at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Addressing the IRS Officer Trainees, the President said that India is the world’s fastest growing major economy. Over the coming decade, its GDP is expected to more than double. This will create more opportunities all-round. It will increase tax revenues and enhance challenges for Revenue Officers. They will need to address the challenges while facilitating the economic engine of our country.
The President said that in recent years the government has taken several initiatives to clean our financial system and defeat the menace of black money. IRS officers are frontline soldiers in this battle. Steps such as demonetisation, the Income Declaration Scheme, and amendment to the Benami Transactions Prohibition Act have demonstrated the will of the people and the government to make our economy more transparent.
The President said that common people have great expectations from our public servants and particularly from the IRS officers. They are one of the most important interfaces between the government and citizens. He advised them to never forget that it is from “We, the People” that they derive their power and authority to serve the very same people – the people of India.
Click here to see President's speech
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Sh.Sukhram Munda , grandson of Birsa Munda to inaugurate Aadi Mahotsav at DilliHaaton November 16in the presence of Sh Arjun Munda
To commemorate the celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsavin the memory of the great tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda,Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Ltd , Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is organizing the “Aadi Mahotsav” 2021. Aadi Mahotsav is a National Tribal Festival being held in DilliHaat, New Delhi from November 16 to 30, 2021. The festival will be inaugurated byShri Sukhram Munda, the grandson of Birsa Munda and theUnion Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda, and at 6.30 pm on November 16, 2021.
Smt Renuka Singh, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri BisweshwarTudu, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs and Shri RamsinhRathwa,Chairman, TRIFED will be the guests of honour for the inaugural function.
The Aadi Mahotsav – A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture, Crafts, Cuisine and Commerce – is a successful annual initiative that was commenced in 2017. The festival is an attempt to familiarise the people with the rich and diverse craft, culture of the tribal communities across the country, in one place.
The National Tribal Festival at DilliHaatheld in February 2021 comprised display and sale of tribal art and craft, medicine & healers, cuisine and folk performances, in which around 1000 tribal artisans, artists and chefs from more than 20 States of the country shall participate and provide a glimpse of their rich traditional culture.
The November edition will also showcase the rich and diverse heritage of our tribes across the country as seen in their art, handicrafts, natural produce and delectable cuisine. With over 200 stalls, it is expected that once again 1000 tribal artisans and artists will be participating in the 15-day festival.
Characterised by natural simplicity, the creations by tribal people have a timeless appeal. The wide range of handicrafts which include hand-woven cotton, silk fabrics, wool, metal craft, terracotta, bead-work, all need to be preserved and promoted.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Refurbished UK-built Unique Paddle Steamer of Heritage Value at SMP Kolkata, to be shortly Opening for Public
Kolkata, August 24, 2022
A Paddle Steamer built in 1944 in UK's Dumbarton Shipyard, named 'P S Bhopal' of length of about 63m and breadth of 9.2m was being used as a training vessel by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port , Kolkata  at No.22 KPD.
With the completion of the lease agreement with the Training Institute in the year 2019, SMP Kolkata wanted to refurbish this vessel which has a heritage value and open it to the public, said Shri Vinit Kumar, Chairman, SMP Kolkata. Accordingly SMP Kolkata went for a long-term lease of the vessel which was at that point of time in a dilapidated condition and did not have its own propulsion.
Long-term lease was selected through open tendering with the condition that the vessel will remain a property of SMP Kolkata throughout the period of the lease.
As per the lease condition, 'P S Bhopal' will remain in the river moored adjacent to the shore or jetty and will be self propelled with its own power. The craft will have an exhibition space, restaurant, small assembly etc.
The said vessel is on the verge of completion and few trials in the river have taken place to ensure its safety of operation with passengers on board.
SMP Kolkata is planning to inaugurate the said refurbished vessel, the first of its kind in the Indian subcontinent in the beginning of next month, stated Shri Kumar.
Though the paddle is not operational now, the basic structure of the vessel has not been altered and new main engines with propulsion have been installed so that the vessel can move in the river with passengers on board so as to bring the real feel of the vessel when built in 1944.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Poshan Pakhwada Being Celebrated from 16th to 31st March
Nutritional Challenges to be Addressed Through Food forestry
Poshan Panchayats to be Organised for Generating Awareness on malnutrition
Ministry of Women and Child Development is celebrating Poshan Pakhwada from 16th to 31st March, 2021. Addressing nutritional challenges through Food Forestry and organizing Poshan Panchayats are the key focus areas for Poshan Pakhwada 2021. To address nutritional challenges, distribution of 4 saplings of nutrition rich plants per Anganwadi Centre  in the Aspirational Districts will be done under the supervision of local panchayat and DM/DC by National Medicinal Plants Board , Ministry of AYUSH. Poshan Panchayat will be organized involving members of PRIs for generating awareness on topics like malnutrition prevalence and its consequences, Poshan Vatika, food forestry, identification of SAM/MAM children and its management.
Poshan Abhiyaan, launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 8th March 2018, has reached a long way in ensuring wider people’s participation. Poshan Abhiyan endeavors to improve nutritional outcomes in a holistic manner in convergence with other Ministries. Behavioural change at individual and community level is an important component to achieve the desired goals of Poshan Abhiyan. Clarion calls from the Prime Minister on various occasions including ‘Mann ki Baat’ further helped to sensitize the masses on issues concerning nutrition through Jan Andolan based mass public participation.
During the last held nutrition-centric Jan Andolan based celebrations during Poshan Maah in September 2020, setting-up of Poshan Vatika gained momentum, as a result of which 10.87 lakhs plantation drives in the form of Kitchen Garden held at Anganwadi level. Simultaneously, during the same period, AYUSH based interventions further helped disseminating knowledge on age-old nutritional practices.
Ministry of Women & Child Development will be the nodal Ministry for coordinating activities during the Poshan Pakhwada. In the State/UT, Department of Women & Child Development /Social Welfare Department will be the nodal department for Poshan Pakhwada.
Prime Minister's Office
Phone call between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and H.E. António Luís Santos da Costa, Prime Minister of the Portuguese Republic
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone call today with His Excellency António Luís Santos da Costa, Prime Minister of the Portuguese Republic.
The two leaders reviewed the Covid-19 pandemic situation in the two countries. They noted the importance of quick and equitable distribution of vaccines for ending of the pandemic.
Prime Minister Modi briefed PM Costa on India’s vaccination drive, as well as the support extended by India to more than 70 countries so far. He assured that India would continue supporting the vaccination efforts of other countries to the best of its capacities.
The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in the India-Portugal partnership in the last few years.
They also reviewed preparations for the first ever India-EU Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled to take place under the Portuguese Presidency of the EU in Porto in May 2021. Prime Minister Modi appreciated the role being played by Prime Minister Costa for strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership, and said that he was looking forward to meeting him in Porto.
Prime Minister's Office
PM wishes French President a speedy recovery and the best of health
(The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has wished French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron a speedy recovery and the best of health after the French President tested positive for COVID-19.
"Wishing my dear friend Emmanuel Macron a speedy recovery and the best of health.
Je souhaite à mon cher ami Emmanuel Macron un prompt rétablissement et une bonne santé", the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Finance
Revenue Deficit Grant of Rs. 7,183.42 crore released to 14 States
Total Revenue Deficit Grant released to States so far in current financial year has gone up to Rs. 21,550.25 crore
States will get a total Revenue Deficit Grant of Rs. 86,201 crore in 2022-23
The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance has on Monday released the 3rd monthly instalment of Post Devolution Revenue Deficit  Grant of Rs.7,183.42 crore to 14 States. The grant has been released as per the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission.
The Fifteenth Finance Commission has recommended a total Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant of Rs. 86,201 crore to 14 States for the financial year 2022-23. The recommended grant is released by the Department of Expenditure to the recommended States in 12 equated monthly instalments. With the release of 3rd instalment for the month of June, 2022, the total amount of Revenue Deficit Grants released to the States in 2022-23 has gone up to Rs. 21,550.25 crore.
The Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grants are provided to the States under Article 275 of the Constitution. The grants are released to the States as per the recommendations of the successive Finance Commissions to meet the gap in Revenue Accounts of the States post devolution.
The eligibility of States to receive this grant and the quantum of grant for the period from 2020-21 to 2025-26 was decided by the Fifteenth Commission based on the gap between assessment of revenue and expenditure of the State after taking into account the assessed devolution during this period.
The States who have been recommended Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant by the Fifteenth Finance Commission during 2022-23 are : Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
State-wise details of Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant recommended for 2022-23 and the amount released to States as 3rd instalment are as under:
State-wise Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant  Released

|
|
S. No.
|
|
Name of State
|
|
PDRDG recommended by FC-XV for the year 2022-23.
|
|
Amount of 3rd instalment released for the month of June, 2022.
|
|
Total PDRDG released to States during 2022-23.
|
|
1
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
10,549
|
|
879.08
|
|
2637.25
|
|
2
|
|
Assam
|
|
4,890
|
|
407.50
|
|
1222.50
|
|
3
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
9,377
|
|
781.42
|
|
2344.25
|
|
4
|
|
Kerala
|
|
13,174
|
|
1097.83
|
|
3293.50
|
|
5
|
|
Manipur
|
|
2,310
|
|
192.50
|
|
577.50
|
|
6
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
1,033
|
|
86.08
|
|
258.25
|
|
7
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
1,615
|
|
134.58
|
|
403.75
|
|
8
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
4,530
|
|
377.50
|
|
1132.50
|
|
9
|
|
Punjab
|
|
8,274
|
|
689.50
|
|
2068.50
|
|
10
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
4,862
|
|
405.17
|
|
1215.50
|
|
11
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
440
|
|
36.67
|
|
110.00
|
|
12
|
|
Tripura
|
|
4,423
|
|
368.58
|
|
1105.75
|
|
13
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
7,137
|
|
594.75
|
|
1784.25
|
|
14
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
13,587
|
|
1132.25
|
|
3396.75
President's Secretariat
President’s Milad-un-Nabi greetings
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in his message on the eve of Milad-un-Nabi has said: -
“On the auspicious occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of the Holy Prophet, I offer my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens, especially my Muslim brothers and sisters in India and abroad.”
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan holds review meeting on BIS laboratory activity
The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan held a review meeting on BIS laboratory activities today. Shri Paswan said that there should be ‘One Nation One Standard’ and there should be coordination between BIS and other labs and FSSAI to ensure this. Lauding the efforts of BIS, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan said that all departments such as BIS, FSSAI and other pertaining ministries must synergise and work in coordination to prevent overlapping of work. He stressed on the need to increase the monitoring process of standardized products and said it is the duty of all departments and respective ministries to ensure that standards are being followed by the products available in the market.
Shri Paswan said that it is a matter of concern if Indian products which are conforming to Indian Standards are rejected by the importing countries and therefore our standards should be at par with global benchmark.The minister said thatour products should meet international standards and the testing facility should be matched as well.
Shri Paswan has also sought a meeting on the quality of Delhi’s running tap water. It is expected to be convened in the coming days along with the Ministry of Urban Development, Jal Sakti and Delhi Government officials.
During the meeting, the testing requirements of the industry and BIS in particular was deliberated upon. It was felt that the BIS lab facilities must be upgraded with latest technology to enhance the pace of quality testing and also making it industry friendly. Inputs from private players were taken into consideration to understand the requirements and demand for carrying high quality testing of products.
The Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri RaosahebPatilDanve, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Shri Avinash Kumar Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor Shri Rohit Kumar Parmarwho is holding the charge of Director General, Bureau of Indian Standards, and Deputy Director General, Laboratories, Shri Jayant Roy Chowdhury. The meeting was also attended by senior officials from Ministries of Consumer Affairs, Steel, Electronics and Information Technology, Commerce, Power, MSME, MOFPI, FSSAI etc. and including representatives from various laboratories such as NTH, NPL, ERDA and private laboratories.
Ministry of Railways
Delhi receives its 2nd Oxygen Express with 120 MT Liquid Oxygen
Indian Railway delivers cumulative 1094 MT of Liquid Oxygen since it ran first loaded Oxygen Express
Telangana receives its 1st Oxygen Express with 63.6 MT Liquid Oxygen
Continuing its journey of bringing relief to people by delivering Liquid Medical Oxygen to various states across the country, Indian Railways has now delivered 1094 MT of LMO in 74 tankers to various states across the country. 19 Oxygen Expresses have already completed their journey and 2 more loaded Oxygen Express are on the run carrying 61.46 MT  of LMO in 4 tankers.
It is Indian Railways endeavour to deliver as much LMO as possible in the shortest time possible to the requesting states.
Delhi received its 2nd Oxygen Express today carrying 120 MT of LMO, third Oxygen Express has already begun its journey from Angul to Delhi carrying 30.86 MT LMO.
Telangana received its first Oxygen Express from Angul carrying 63.6 MT LMO.
More Oxygen Express to Haryana & Delhi carrying 61.46 MT LMO are on their way.
So far, Indian Railways has delivered more than 1094 metric tonnes Liquid Medical Oxygen  to Maharashtra , Uttar Pradesh , Madhya Pradesh , Delhi , Haryana  & Telangana .
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways registers HIGHEST EVER MONTHLY figures i.e. 119.79 Million Tonnes  in January 2021. The last best was in March 2019 as 119.74 MT
Indicating fast moving economic upswing, Freight figures continue to maintain the high momentum in terms of earnings and loading in the month of January 2021 for Indian Railways
Cumulative freight loading expected to surpass last year’s freight loading figures
Indian Railways has registered highest ever loading figures i.e. 119.79 MT in January 2021. The last best was in March 2019 as 119.74 MT.
On mission mode, Indian Railways' Freight loading for the last few months have crossed last year’s loading and earnings for the same period. It is expected that cumulative freight loading will surpass last year’s freight loading figures.
As per the statistics till yesterday for February, 2021, Indian Railways loading was 30.54 million tonnes which includes 13.61 million tonnes of coal, 4.15 million tonnes of iron ore, 1.04 million tonnes of foodgrains, 1.03 million tonnes of fertilizers, 0.96 million tonnes of mineral oil and 1.97 million tonnes of cement .
It is worth mentioning that a number of concessions/ discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make Railways Freight movement very attractive. COVID 19 has been used by Indian Railways an opportunity to improve all round efficiencies and performances.
Also, to attract new business and incentivise other existing clients, Ministry of Railways has held meetings with top leadership of iron & steel, cement, power, coal, automobiles and logistics service providers.
Also, Business Development units at Zonal & Divisional levels and near doubling of freight speed is contributing to sustainable growth momentum.
PIB Headquarters
CHANGE IN SCHEDULE OF ERNAKULAM –BANASWADI SPECIALS
Train No.06041 Ernakulam Jn. – Banaswadi special fare special train announced earlier will leave Ernakulam Jn. at 20.15 Hrs instead of 14.45 hrs on 23rd and 30th July 2017 to reach Banaswadi at 08.00 hrs on next day.
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